KEYNOTE - 6th May 2025 | 9:15AM - 9:50AM
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President, Boeing Canada and Boeing Canada Operations Ltd.
Al Meinzinger
Al Meinzinger joined Boeing in June 2024 as President of Boeing Canada and Boeing Canada Operations Ltd., leading the company’s national business interests, including nearly 2,000 employees and 500+ suppliers.
A former Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the longest-serving in 60 years, Meinzinger brings decades of leadership in defence, strategy, and international operations. His priorities at Boeing include defence procurement, supplier growth, sustainable aviation, and innovation partnerships across Canadian industry and academia.
Kickoff - 6th May 2025 | 10:00AM - 10:20AM
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Vice President and General Manager Raytheon Canada
Terry Manion
Terry Manion is Vice President and General Manager of Raytheon Canada’s Services and Support Division. He previously spent 20 years at General Dynamics Canada, leading major army support programs and international communications projects. Terry holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the Royal Military College of Canada, an MBA from the University of Calgary, and is a registered professional engineer in Alberta.
Prime Presentation Boeing Defence - 6th May 2025 | 10:40AM - 11:00AM
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Director of International Strategic Partnership, Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Jeffery Hurst
Jeff Hurst is Director of International Strategic Partnerships at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, leading global collaborations in markets like Canada, Germany, and South Korea. He previously worked in Boeing’s International Alliances and held roles at AMCHAM Malaysia and Arthur D. Little. Jeff holds a Marketing degree from Indiana University and an MBA from Georgetown University.
Prime Presentation Lockheed Martin - 6th May 2025 | 11:15AM - 11:35AM
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Site Director, Skunk Works® Canada, Lockheed Martin Advanced Development Programs
Michael Baker
​Michael Baker is the Site Director of Skunk Works® Canada at Lockheed Martin, where he leads a team of 70 developing advanced uncrewed systems and autonomy software. With 24 years at the company, he has held roles in business development, program management, and software engineering. He also contributes to NATO working groups focused on uncrewed system interoperability. Baker holds a degree in Software Engineering from the University of Calgary.
Prime Presentation SkyAlyne - 6th May 2025 | 11:35AM - 11:55AM
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Head of Communications,
Collaboration, and Stakeholder Relations SkyAlyne
Harrison Ruess
Harrison is Head of Communications, Collaboration, and Stakeholder Relations at SkyAlyne. With 15+ years in strategic communications, he’s led campaigns for national leaders, major organizations, and agencies. A skilled storyteller and licensed pilot, he now calls Ottawa home. He specializes in turning complex issues into clear, engaging narratives for diverse audiences.
Prime Presentation Arcfield- 6th May 2025 | 11:55AM - 12:15PM
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Jacques Comtois is Vice President of Canadian Operations at Arcfield Canada, leading strategic growth and performance across the organization. With over 20 years in aerospace and defence, he has held senior roles at Bombardier, L3Harris, and Rolls-Royce, following a distinguished career in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Jacques Comtois
Vice President, Canadian Operations
Prime Presentation Qinetiq- 6th May 2025 | 1:00PM - 1:20PM
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Mr. David Sabados has been with QinetiQ since January of 2002 serving in a variety of roles. Starting with the manufacturing and operation of the target systems before moving into project and program management. Mr. Sabados spent 6 years as the Director of Operations and is currently the head of Security, IT, & Trade Compliance.
David Sabados
Security, IT, & Trade Compliance Manager Qinetiq
Prime Presentation CAE- 6th May 2025 | 2:10PM - 2:30PM
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Business Development Lead F35, CAE
Tony White
Tony is a retired RCAF officer with 27 years of service and seven years as a Senior Press Officer at NATO. With a background in strategic communications and international deployments, he now works in business development at CAE Defence & Security, focusing on F-35 and NORAD modernization programs.
Presentation - 6th May 2025 | 1:40PM - 2:00PM
Born in Moncton, NB, Colonel Dove joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1995 and was commissioned as an Armour officer in 2000. He has commanded at multiple levels in the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada and served in key instructional and leadership roles across the Canadian Army. His international deployments include Bosnia, Afghanistan, Congo, and Poland. He holds three degrees, including a Master’s in National Security Strategy from the U.S. National War College. He currently serves in Ottawa and is Director of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. Colonel Dove is an avid homebrewer and outdoor enthusiast, and lives with his wife and two children.
COLONEL R.D. DOVE, CD
COMMANDER, 3RD CANADIAN DIVISION SUPPORT GROUP
Presentation - 6th May 2025 | 1:20PM - 1:40PM
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Manager Business Development, Dumur Industries & Dellcom Aerospace
Derek Dreger
Derek Dreger leads Business Development at Dumur Industries and Dellcom Aerospace, with expertise in strategic planning, ITB policy, and industrial cooperation. He supports Indigenous inclusion, small business growth, and actively contributes to Canada’s aerospace and defence community.
Keynote- 7th May 2025 | 9:15AM - 9:50AM
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President and CEO Lufthansa Technik
Max Schramm
Max Schramm is the President and CEO of Lufthansa Technik Canada, where he brings a unique blend of operational expertise, strategic vision, and people-first leadership. He began his aviation career as an apprentice with Lufthansa Cargo in Frankfurt, gaining hands-on ramp experience before advancing to a Product Sales Manager role at Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg. His passion for aviation and innovation led him to Canada, where he became Director of Sales and played a key role in establishing Lufthansa Technik Canada. A highly motivated leader with a proven track record in negotiations, stakeholder engagement, employee development, and strategic execution, Max excels at bridging diverse interests and breaking down complex challenges into actionable solutions. Today, he leads Lufthansa Technik Canada with a clear vision: to unite German excellence with Canadian ambition in shaping the future of aircraft engine services across North America and beyond.
Opportunities for businesses- 7th May 2025 | 10:10AM- 10:55AM
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President, Canadian Global Affairs Institute
David Perry
Dr. David Perry is President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and a leading expert on defence policy, budgeting, and procurement. He holds a PhD in political science from Carleton University and is a recognized voice in Canadian defence, serving as a columnist, podcast host, and adjunct professor.
Presentation - 7th May 2025 | 10:55AM - 11:15AM
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President & CEO, Des Nedhe Group
Sean Willy
Sean Willy, CEO of Des Nedhe Group, has led its national and international growth while prioritizing Indigenous employment. A member of Deninu Kue First Nation, he’s known for advancing Indigenous inclusion and ESG strategies with major resource firms. Sean serves on boards including TELUS and NWMO, holds an ICD designation, and received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.
Overview of Canadian Armed Forces Procurement Priorities - 7th May 2025 | 11:15AM - 12:00PM
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NATO DIANA Military Deputy Director for North America
MAJOR-GENERAL P. PEYTON, MSM, CD
Major-General Peyton is a seasoned Canadian Armed Forces leader with over three decades of service, including operational tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia, and domestic deployments in Canada. He has commanded at multiple levels and currently serves as NATO DIANA's Military Deputy Director for North America.
Drones, Counter Drones & Integrated Solutions: The Evolution and Innovation cycle in Defence & Security - 7th May 2025 | 1PM - 1:50PM
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Denean Tomlin is Head of VP/ITB (Offsets) at SkyAlyne Canada, leading the company’s Industrial and Technological Benefits strategy and Canadian Value Proposition. With over 17 years in defence and 30 years in business development and trade, she also serves on several industry boards and co-hosts the SHE SHOOTS podcast focused on women in shooting sports.
Denean Tomlin
Head of VP/ITB (Offsets), SkyAlyne Canada Inc
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Michael Jackson
Michael A. Jackson of Fortem Technologies is a UAS detection expert with 30 years in high-tech industries, including aerospace and supercomputing. He specializes in counter-drone systems and layered threat mitigation for protecting critical infrastructure worldwide.
Director of Channel Management Fortem Technologies
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Vincent Malley is Vice President of Business Development at UVAD Technologies, leading UAV defence programs including the Alpine Swift and Falcon Supersonic. A CPA with over $150M in defence contract wins, he brings global experience in aerospace, strategic sales, and cross-industry collaboration.
Vincent Malley
Vice President Of Business Development UVA Dynamics Inc.
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Spencer Fraser is Founder & CEO of Landing Zones Canada, with over 40 years of experience in aerospace, marine, and defence. Known for leading major uncrewed systems and naval projects, he now pioneers sustainable tech with the Gitpo drone—Canada’s first reusable alternative to single-use weather sondes.
Spencer Fraser
Founder & CEO, Landing Zone
AI: Humanity’s Greatest Tool or Existential Threat? - 7th May 2025 | 2:10 PM - 3:00 PM
Tony is a retired RCAF officer with 27 years of service and seven years as a Senior Press Officer at NATO. With a background in strategic communications and international deployments, he now works in business development at CAE Defence & Security, focusing on F-35 and NORAD modernization programs.
Tony White
Business Development Lead F35, CAE
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Dr. Henry Leung is a Schulich Industry Research Chair and professor at the University of Calgary, specializing in signal processing, data fusion, and machine learning. A former defence scientist with DND, he has authored 350+ journal papers, holds 20+ patents, and is a Fellow of multiple engineering academies.
Henry Leung
Professor, University of Calgary
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Honorary Colonel Kendra Kincade is an Air Traffic Controller with NAV Canada and the founder of Elevate Aviation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering women through careers in aviation. A public speaker, philanthropist, and trailblazer, she’s led national mentorship programs, opened learning centres, and received numerous awards for her work advancing women in the industry.
Kendra Kincade
Alberta AAC Chair
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Ray Townsend is Head of Strategy and Growth at Lockheed Martin Canada, following a 23-year career in the RCAF, where he served as a CP-140 Aurora pilot and Director of Air Force Readiness. He now leads strategic initiatives aligned with Canada’s defence goals and builds key partnerships. He holds degrees from the Royal Military College, including a Master’s in Defence Studies and Security Management.
Ray Townsend
Head of Strategy and Growth Lockheed Martin
HOST/EMCEE
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Colonel Turenne, a CF-18 fighter pilot with over 2,800 flight hours, has held command roles at 425 Squadron, 4 Wing, and CFB Cold Lake. Currently Director of Strategic Plans and Modernization at 1 Canadian Air Division, he brings extensive operational and leadership experience from Afghanistan to NORAD.